MP Resigns over Allegations Of Stealing Shoes From Boutique, Blames It On Work Stress: "I'm Sorry"

• Sky News reported that, as the first refugee in the island nation's Parliament, Golriz Ghahraman is a lawmaker and human rights attorney of Iranian descent
• Since being elected, Golriz Ghahraman has been under particular pressure due to "continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, and death threats
• Ghahraman blamed "completely out-of-character" behaviour on work stress and mental health difficulties in a statement that did not address the particular charges

New Zealand - A New Zealand MP resigned after being accused of shoplifting multiple times.

Golriz Ghahraman, a Green Party representative, is charged with stealing from high-end stores at least three times.

Sky News reported that, as the first refugee in the island nation's Parliament, the lawmaker and human rights attorney of Iranian descent made history in 2017.

Since being elected, she has been under particular pressure due to "continuous threats of sexual violence, physical violence, and death threats," co-party leader James Shaw said.

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What are Golriz Ghahraman's reasons for shoplifting

Ghahraman blamed "completely out-of-character" behaviour on work stress and mental health difficulties in a statement that did not address the particular charges.

"I want to explain my actions, but I'm not trying to justify them. My recent behaviour is consistent with recent occurrences causing an excessive stress response and linked to previously unrecognised trauma, according to the mental health professional I see," Ghahraman stated.

YEN.com.gh understands that it is reasonable for the public to hold its elected officials to the highest standards of conduct.

"I was not successful. Sorry. It's not a behaviour I can explain because it's not rational in any way, and, after medical evaluation, I understand I'm not well," she added.

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Where did Golriz Ghahraman commit the offences

The politician allegedly stole items from Cre8iveworkz in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and Scotties Boutique in Ponsonby, Auckland.

In a statement, the New Zealand Police stated that they were looking into the reported incident in December 2023 at Scotties Boutique but did not provide any other information.

They did not certify that Ghahraman was involved in the incident.

As per the New Zealand Herald, an investigation is underway into the incident that occurred on December 23, 2018.

Special prosecutor found cash reportedly buried and hidden in clothes of Cecilia Dapaah

In a related story, YEN.com.gh previously reported that the money seized from former sanitation minister Cecilia Dapaah had been stashed in various hiding places.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor revealed the seizure details in documents presented to the court.

The special prosecutor said the former minister allegedly has millions of cedis in unexplained wealth.

Source: TUKO.co.ke